Mary Nixon: Family raise more than £5,000 for Revive MS

Mum-of-four Mary Nixon, 66, who'd lived with multiple sclerosis (MS) for more than 40 years, tragically died in April 2020 - and only ten people were allowed to attend her funeral due to lockdown restrictions. 

After Mary's passing, her children Deborah, Alexis, John, and Ann resolved to honour their mum by giving her the send off she always deserved.

They were also determined to invite other families across Inverclyde who lost people during lockdown to join them in a celebration of life. 

To mark what would have been Mary's 70th birthday on March 23 - and to mark four years since the UK was plunged into lockdown - Deborah, Alexis, John, and Ann hosted 'Remembering Mary' at Greenock Town Hall. 

The event, alongside donations and raffles leading up to it, raised £5,084 for Revive MS. 

Mary's daughter Alexis, 42, says the family are thrilled with the amount. 

She added: "We did something for mum that we needed to do as a family and raised money for an amazing charity really close to our hearts.

"We were denied the chance to properly grieve at the time but we finally got the chance to give her the send off she deserved.

"Losing her will never get any easier but we have a sense of peace now."

A total of 145 people packed out the town hall for the night full of memories. 

In preparation for the event, Alexis and her family encouraged families who had lost people during lockdown to send them the names of their loved ones along with some photos. 

The words and pictures were all blended together in a very moving video which was shown on the night. 

Alexis said it was such an emotional experience for everyone in the hall. 

She said: "You could have heard a pin drop.

"It started off like a newsreel with the lockdown announcement and pictures of empty streets, and then the photos and names of people who passed away appeared on the screen. 

"It was really hard-hitting and I don't think people were expecting it."

Hosted by Brian Welsh, the fundraiser incorporated a lot of facts about Mary, and things that she liked. 

Alexis baked 160 cupcakes and each one featured a sticker with a fact about Mary. 

As Mary was a big Dolly Parton fan, every table was named after a song sung by the country star. 

Raffle prizes on the night included Airbnb and luxury hotel stays, and businesses across Inverclyde and beyond got involved. 

Alexis said: "We were just so overwhelmed by it all. 

"We had amazing support from the local community and beyond. The generosity shown was incredible."

To raise money in the run-up to the night at the town hall, the family also set up a JustGiving page, Alexis baked creative cakes and raffled them off, there was a raffle for a motorhome, and family, friends and colleagues made generous donations. 

Alexis said: "The support from everyone has been absolutely tremendous and we're all so grateful. 

"I know that mum would be proud."